Undetectable JC virus CSF PCR in patients with JC virus-induced progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

Abstract

The diagnosis of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is based on a combination of clinical, radiographic, and laboratory findings. However, negative JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) PCR in CSF does not always rule out JCPyV-related PML. In this narrative review, we sought to examine the characteristic of biopsy-proven PML in patients with undetectable JCPyV CSF PCR and provide alternative approaches in this scenario.

Keywords: BK virus; Brainstem; Cerebellum; JC virus; Posterior fossa; Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.